I am pleased to announce an iPhone version of our Music Theory Calculator tool. It contains more than 1500 scales, chords, and intervals. The calculator displays note names and plays examples of all of them.
Much like an ordinary calculator speeds up math, Music Theory Calculator speeds up the process of making music. From “C major” to “G9” to “F whole-tone” to “C# Altered Dominant”, Music Theory Calculator will give you the note names and an audio example in an instant.
Our first educational cartoon is now available on our YouTube channel. It stars Woody, the GuitarGames.net mascot, and covers how to name the notes on the staff. Follow it with a game of Note Squish or Note Fish. The next part of the cartoon will cover rhythm. Let me know what you think! Thanks.
Our guitar trivia game, Trivia Race, is in need of some new guitar trivia. As a classical guitarist, I tend to know mostly classical guitar trivia. So, I thought I’d open it up to all members. Anything guitar-related would be great. If you have some trivia you want to share, send it to me via the contact page and I will include it.
It’s been too long now since I’ve updated the blog! Last I wrote, my iPhone app had just come out. Guitar Workout has had some success, but the reviews haven’t been great. I was half-way finished with a second app, when I reconnected with a publisher wanting to put out a Guitar Games Book. The last several months I’ve been working on nothing but the book. It should come out later this year and I’m very happy with how it came out. It’s fun, of course, but has some good info on theory and ear training which grew out of the courses on this site.
That brings me to the reason for my post: plans for this year. Here goes-
I’ve been learning Blender (an open-source 3D graphics and game creation tool) and I’m hoping to incorporate some 3D style graphics into a game. Also I’ve put together a prototype of a game that could be played with a real guitar that I think has potential. While writing the book I updated some of the games and I’d like to port those changes over to the site. Including an easier first level on Key Hunt, and rebirth within a level (rather than always having to start at the beginning). One area that seems lacking in the games is rhythm. A few games for studying rhythm might be nice. Blogging more often and finishing our first movie (a seven minute intro to reading music and rhythm) would be good. I’m half-way finished and it would be a pity to leave it at that.
Lastly, I’ve decided a change in tone around here would be nice. What I mean is, I’d like to let people in to the development process. A little behind-the-scenes view, and community involvement I think would improve the site. My exposure to the open-source community has inspired me that great things can be accomplished when talent is pooled together. Its my hope that the games and resources on the site will benefit from this new tone. I welcome feedback on this, but my plan is to chart work in progress so ideas and user input can be incorporated into the final product.
GuitarGames.net creator William Wilson released a new Guitar Game iPhone App titled Guitar Workout. Based on traditional classical guitar exercises, Guitar Workout is a collection of twelve simple games that will improve left hand speed, accuracy, and independence. The games are played with a simulated guitar neck, and red targets that guide you through each exercise. Whether you are a classical, steel-string, or electric guitarist these games will improve your playing. Guitar Workout is available at the iTunes App Store for $1.99.
-Improve your ability to switch chords quickly.
-Increase your speed for lead and solo playing.
-Current and top speed displayed.
-Realistic guitar response to develop good playing habits.
I’m better at the games than on the guitar. What should I do next?
Learning the guitar is both a physical and mental activity. Our motto at GuitarGames.net has always been, “It’s time for your brain to practice too.” meaning don’t neglect the mental aspect of playing. And many have headed our call, but..Neglecting the physical is not good either! It’s important to follow up the games and courses online with some good old fashioned sight reading. This will connect the mental to the physical. I recommend flute and violin music as a great supplement to reading guitar music. And I recommend learning songs in different positions to challenge your knowledge of the neck. Happy practicing!
Photo by Laineys Repertoire
Following up on our CAGED system for the guitar video, I am pleased to announce a new video exploring the CAGED system and major scales. This video deals with the second part of using the CAGED system, building a scale on top of a CAGED pattern. It does not cover the first part of the system, finding the location of CAGED patterns.
The best way to learn scales in the CAGED system is with baby steps. Learn one pattern at a time and learn it well. Build up from the triad (which is usally the CAGED pattern plus one or two notes) to the scale by adding one note at a time. When you practice the scale don’t just play it up and down, play it backwards, skip notes and use patterns, etc. Watch the following video for more ideas…
And part II…
 |
|
| photo by terren |
The winner of our Birds of Fretopia competition is Michael Moore with a score of 1196! No doubt a fretboard master after all those games. He’ll also be receiving our fashionable T-shirt. Look for another competition soon.
One of the best ways to improve performance ability is knowledge of the fretboard. By knowing the fretboard guitarists are able to learn a piece at a deeper level, not simply muscle memory. Combined with a basic understanding of music theory mistakes can be overcome in more graceful manner. Truth be told, most guitarists make mistakes during performance. But, the good ones are able to move through the mistakes. I always say that if you don’t stop or swear most people won’t notice.
Here’s one way to do it:
For more tips on how mental practice can can make you a better player see page 6 of our Secrets of Successful Practice Course.
The competition is off to a great start! We have Michael Moore out front with an amazing 1196. I came up with a few tips on how to maximize scores. Good luck!
If you have some other great ideas, let us know! And remember, be careful, you might learn something.